What are the methods to find the person who scratched my car?

[HectorMarie]

Here is a detailed introduction to methods for finding the perpetrator if your car is scratched: 1. Use a dashcam: Many dashcams have a feature that allows them to continue working after the car is parked, operating at a very low power. If your car is maliciously scratched while parked, you will have evidence to report to the police, and the traffic police can help locate the owner. 2. Seek help from security guards and property management: If your car is parked in a paid parking lot, you can request assistance from the property management. They can use on-site surveillance to find the perpetrator. 3. If parked in an area without surveillance: You can call 122, which is the emergency number for traffic accident reports. After calling, traffic police will usually arrive at the scene to provide assistance.

[VonMelanie]

I’ve also experienced my car getting scratched while parked on the roadside before, and I immediately checked the surveillance footage. Residential areas usually have property management cameras, while in commercial districts, you can ask nearby shops—many store owners have installed cameras. If there are eyewitnesses, that’s even better. In my case, the owner of a nearby liquor store saw a white SUV reversing and scraping my car’s rear bumper, and he noted down the license plate number. If the cameras didn’t capture it, filing a police report is also an option—traffic police can access the city’s surveillance system. However, you must act quickly, as surveillance footage is typically retained for no more than three days. Once you identify the responsible party, remember to take photos as evidence, including the scratch location and the other party’s license plate, so you have proof for compensation negotiations. Whenever possible, park in areas with visible cameras to avoid future hassles.

[MacBrayden]

I have experience in finding the culprit when my car gets scratched. First, check if there are any clues left by the other vehicle on your car. For example, residual paint color on the scratch or the height can help deduce the model. Once, I found a bit of blue paint on the scratch, about the height of the rearview mirror, so I guessed it was a blue sedan. Then, immediately look around the area to see if there's a matching car parked nearby. Remember to take photos of the scene, including the wheel position, scratch details, and surroundings, as these can all be clues. Also, leverage your network—post a message in your friend circle or community group; someone might have captured it on video. If you really can't find the culprit, consider installing a dashcam with parking surveillance for next time, so you won't have to worry.

[DaisyLynn]

Don't panic when encountering such situations. The first step is to assess the extent of the vehicle damage. If the scratches are minor, DIY repairs won't be expensive; for serious damage, you'll need to file a claim with the other party. The key is to preserve evidence at the scene—use your phone to record clear videos from multiple angles, especially including nearby store signs or road markers for later location verification. Then, approach nearby merchants or security guards; last time my car was scratched, it was the convenience store owner who provided crucial information. Nowadays, many communities have incomplete camera coverage, so don't rely solely on surveillance. If the perpetrator can't be found, you'll have to report it to your insurance, though next year's premium might increase. In the long run, taking a few extra steps to park in well-lit areas with surveillance cameras will give you more peace of mind.

[MacJulian]

My car has been scratched twice while parked downstairs at my apartment, and I've figured out some effective methods. Besides checking surveillance footage, placing a small note on the windshield asking for witnesses works well—include the time and location, and leave your contact info. Many people are willing to help. Once, a neighbor saw the whole incident from their balcony and directly helped me contact the other driver. Another method is seeking help on social media; posting on local forums with your car's features and location often yields leads from netizens. Timing is crucial—it's best to act the same day. For deep scratches, avoid washing the car immediately to preserve traces of the other car's paint. If you can't find the culprit, sometimes it's better to just accept it—minor scratches can be polished out, and it's not worth losing sleep over.

[ORiver]

To find the person who scratched your car, you need to act quickly and accurately. First, check the ground for any debris or tire marks, such as paint chips or collision traces that might indicate the direction they went. Once, I identified the car model based on plastic fragments found on the ground. If your car has a dashcam, immediately review the footage from when it was parked—many devices now feature vibration-triggered recording. In public parking lots, directly approach the management to access surveillance footage; they are obligated to assist. Filing a police report is another option, as traffic police can inspect nearby vehicles based on the scratch patterns and locations. However, the chances are slim, and often you’ll have to cover the costs yourself. To prevent future incidents, avoid parking in corners and opt for visible spots where scratches are less likely. Keep a touch-up pen in your car for minor scratches—you can handle small damages yourself.